Your coaching client is constantly going over session time. How can you effectively manage this situation?
When coaching clients frequently extend sessions, it disrupts schedules and can lead to burnout. Here’s how to set boundaries effectively:
How do you manage session time with clients? Share your strategies.
Your coaching client is constantly going over session time. How can you effectively manage this situation?
When coaching clients frequently extend sessions, it disrupts schedules and can lead to burnout. Here’s how to set boundaries effectively:
How do you manage session time with clients? Share your strategies.
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Time discipline in coaching isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about respect. Respect for the client’s growth process, but also for the structure that enables progress. One approach I use is framing sessions around outcomes, not just time. If the client knows the session is about hitting key takeaways rather than just filling an hour, they become more engaged in focused discussions rather than drifting past time limits. Also, closing with a strong ‘next step’ helps shift the energy from lingering in the session to executing what was discussed. Coaching should feel structured but not rigid—tight but never rushed. That balance is where the real impact happens.
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I always ensure I have thoughtfully listened to and understand the person I am coaching or providing guidance, this clear and respectful shared approach is always essential to managing time and the experience.
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Set clear boundaries at the start, explaining the session duration and importance of staying on track. If it happens repeatedly, gently remind them of the time and offer to schedule additional sessions if needed.
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Let them know that you value each other's time is so you will take the responsibility of keeping the meeting on time. If this is habitual...send pre-work so that you are not spending time on explanations of why the work was done. Also let them know that contract was for X number of session for "an hour". We might have to add on more at additional cost.
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Set a timer and when the alarm goes off, tell them you both have five minutes left. At the end of the session, stand up, thank your client, and then stop answering any additional questions. Does this seem crazy? It's not, and it works. My go to lines are: "I appreciate your enthusiasm to continue, but we agreed to making the most of our time in one hour, and that's what I have to do. We'll have a chance to talk about that next week." "I know you want to continue, but I have to take notes from what we've discussed already and I will be short on time if we continue. Let's revisit that next session." "I love that we have this time together, but we can't continue to have this time if you can't agree to honor our time limit."